MacBook users may experience a tingling sensation when touching their computer’s case while it’s charging. This slight vibration is no accident, and we’ll explain why.
Touching your MacBook’s case while it’s charging may cause an unusual vibration or even tingling sensation. Below, we’ll explain why this happens and how to combat this unusual and, admittedly, even unpleasant sensation.
Reasons Why Your MacBook Vibrates While Charging
The reason MacBook users experience vibration when touching it is primarily due to the device’s metal casing. Other laptops with plastic casings typically don’t cause such complaints. And since a metal casing is an excellent conductor, the laptop’s “vibration” may indicate a grounding issue . In other words, your device isn’t making contact with the ground. Our planet, due to its size and mass, possesses a significant electrical charge. This helps dissipate any excess charges from the electrical devices we use.
Typically, an unpleasant tingling sensation can occur when a MacBook user touches grounded metal surfaces, such as the battery heat sink, while simultaneously holding their hands on a metal part of the computer.
Standard electrical outlets, such as the one your MacBook charger plugs into, should, in theory, have a grounding pin.
It helps discharge excess charge. However, if grounding is improper, the user may feel a slight tingling sensation (vibration) when touching the laptop’s aluminum case—the muscles’ reaction to the current passing through them.
How can I stop my MacBook from vibrating while charging?
There are actually several sensible steps you can take to prevent this vibration sensation. First, make sure your outlet is grounded. If you’re using an extension cord, check for a grounding contact.
Unfortunately, Apple currently ships its laptops with a power adapter that has a two-prong plug that lacks grounding.
Whereas until recently, the MacBook box also included an extension cord with a three-prong plug (one prong for grounding).
This means that one way to eliminate microvibrations is to replace the original 2-prong plug with an Apple power adapter extension cable or purchase a high-quality charger with a grounding contact from a third-party manufacturer.
It’s also worth making sure your MacBook is on a flat, non-conductive surface. Providing one is easy; a leather mat or a wooden table can do the job. It’s also worth considering the surface you sit on while working with your Mac plugged in. It’s best if it’s made of non-conductive materials.
If your laptop is on a desk and your feet are touching the floor, consider whether you’re wearing shoes. Leather or rubber shoes will act as insulators, preventing the current from passing through your body and into the ground. Another solution is to place a rug under your desk. This will also prevent the current from flowing.
